Native Plant Sales, Butterfly Events Slated for This Weekend and Beyond
Native plant sales and how to raise a caterpillar workshops among butterfly events slated for April in Central and South Texas.
Monarch Caterpillars Have Supersized Appetites, Eat 200X their Weight in Milkweed Leaves
According to Monarch Watch, the citizen scientist program that monitors the Monarch butterfly migration and started the tagging program, monarch caterpillars consume 200x their birthweight in milkweed leaves in about a two-week period. Commercial butterfly breeders suggest that a single caterpillar can easily decimate an entire one-gallon milkweed plant--175 leaves per caterpillar. Of course, it depends on the milkweed you supply. Our native Texas milkweed, Antelope Horns, Asclepias asperula, is much heftier than the Tropical Milkweed, Asclepias curassavica, found in nuseries right now--like a beef steak compared to lettuce. Yet, when the Monarchs are flying, any milkweed is better than none. Sound impossible? Watch the video.
Monarch Butterflies Arriving Soon from Mexico, But Who’s Got Milkweed? Fortunately Some Local Nurseries Have It in Stock
Millions of Monarch butterflies are heading to Texas for Spring Break, but who's got milkweed for them to host and nectar on? Fortunately, some local nurseries have "got milkweed" in stock.
Monarch Butterflies: Where’s My Milkweed? NPSOT Program to Address Milkweed Shortage Tied to Brutal Winter
Where's the milkweed? Monarch butterflies will be arriving soon and the Boerne chapter of NPSOT will stage a free milkweed workshop next Tuesday. Let's get our gardens ready this spring and put out a welcome mat for migrating Monarch butterflies
Monarch Butterfly Population in Michoacan Doubles Since Last Year, But Threat Continues
Monarch Butterflies rebound in Michoacan, Mexico, doubling their numbers in the past year, but still subject to threat
Milkweed for Monarchs: More Tips for Creating Your Butterfly Habitat
Plant it and they will come: More milkweed planting tips for bringing Monarch butterflies into your garden.
Monarch Butterfly Caterpillars and Eggs Can Be Just as Intriguing as the Butterflies
Monarch eggs, caterpillars and butterflies--oh my! Kids love to look for, find and observe the whole life cycle. Tips on where to find Monarch butterfly eggs and caterpillars as the great Monarch butterfly migration continues.
Getting your Filament on Queens vs. Monarch Butterflies, Part III
How to tell the difference between Queen caterpillars and Monarch Butterfly Caterpillars: the discussion continues
How to tell the Difference between Future Monarch Butterflies and Future Queen Butterflies, Part II
Queen caterpillar has three sets of "antennae." [...]